Those who have gone to schools in Indiana likely know the state tree is the tulip poplar, the state bird is the Northern Cardinal, and the state flower, once the zinnia, is now the peony. Our flag is blue and gold. On the flag, the torch is a symbol for liberty and enlightenment; with the rays representing their far reach. Thirteen stars in the outer circle symbolize the original thirteen states; the inner semi-circle of five stars represents the next five states; and the large star above the torch is a symbol of Indiana, the nineteenth state.

Although "Back Home Again in Indiana" is far more popular, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" by Paul Dresser is the official state song. I'm intrigued by how both songs celebrate sycamore trees on the Wabash River. In both instances, the images are evocative.

I became mindful of the sycamore tree again recently when Chaplain Eric A. Williams wrote about "The Wisdom of the Peeling Tree." Because the grayish bark of the sycamore peels, roots grow deep on the river's edge, and this remarkable tree thrives past 600 years of age. We can learn life lessons from this tree. When our life begins to peel around us, the earth feels like it is moving under our feet, or we feel we are taking on water, we are wise to stay rooted in one place, weathering storms of life like the sycamore tree. "What makes this tree unique is that it can shed bark throughout its life. This shedding process is part of how the tree grows so large. The branches break off easily in the wind and the leaves can fall off a sycamore even in the middle of summer." We can stay firm and tall, but shed that which we don't need any more; we can thrive and drink in the water of life and grow old.

It is not unusual to get such wisdom from trees. Trees for many cultures carry meaning and symbolism. What do the trees in our backyards mean?

The wisdom of trees, how they live by bending in the wind, how they grow with deep roots, and the way rings in their trunks tell us about the years they have lived offer us inspiration. I conclude this musing with the chorus of our state song and cast my vote for the Sugar Cream Pie as Indiana's state pie.

"On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" chorus by Paul Dresser: